Fist Fight Breaks Out at Symphony

Fist fights need not be restricted to bars and sporting events: today, two concertgoers at the Chicago Symphony began brawling as the second movement of Brahms Symphony No. 2 came to a close. And these men weren't in the nosebleed section — they had purchased box seats.

"We heard a rather loud thump," said Steve Robinson, general manager of Chicago's classical and folk music station 98.7 WFMT, who was at the performance but didn't see the fight. "It wasn't so loud that everyone jumped up and ran for the exits."

Police say one of the men, who was in his 30s, started punching the 67-year-old victim — but they don't say why. The attacker fled the scene before police arrived, while the older gentleman was left with a forehead cut.

Luckily, the fist fight did not ruin the concert for Chicago Symphony patrons: Music Director Riccardo Muti barely skipped a beat.

The concert never stopped, but Muti shot a glance over his left shoulder toward the box where the punches were thrown. One concert-goer described the look as "dagger eyes."

Live entertainment onstage and in the audience — what more could you ask for?